Improving Nurse Retention: Factors Influencing Job Satisfaction of All Cadres of Nurses in Machinga District.

Abstract

Introduction: Increasing job satisfaction is important for job retention. District Health Management Team (DHMT) needs to create environments that attract, motivate and retain nurses in a district. The aim of this study was to explore factors that influence nurses’ job satisfaction and retention in Machinga District. Methodology: This study was both quantitative and qualitative. Firstly, self administered anonymous questionnaires were distributed to all 61 nurses working in Machinga District. Then a qualitative study was done by conducting 3 focus group discussions. Results: Nurses’ job satisfaction was influenced by social relationships (good interpersonal relationship and support during bereavement) and a clean physical environment. Dissatisfying factors were bad attitudes of the DHMT and health workers, and poor working conditions (workload, lack of resources, incentives, health centre allocation, poor transport and communication network). Nurses could be retained in Machinga District if working conditions were improved in terms of: salary, resources, accommodation, toilets, water, electricity, communication, leadership skills, and transport. Conclusion: Nurses could be retained in the district by providing both monetary and non-monetary incentives at all levels. Therefore, the DHMT should look into these factors in order to attract and retain nurses in the district.